wind up

/ waɪnd /

verb

1. to bring to or reach a conclusion

   he wound up the proceedings

2. tr to tighten the spring of (a clockwork mechanism)
3. informal.
   tr; usually passive to make nervous, tense, etc; excite

   he was all wound up before the big fight

4. tr to roll (thread, etc) into a ball
5. an informal word for liquidate
6. informal.
   intr to end up (in a specified state)

   you'll wind up without any teeth

7. tr; usually passive to involve; entangle

   they were wound up in three different scandals

8. tr to hoist or haul up
9. slang.
   tr to tease (someone)

noun

1. the act of concluding
2. the finish; end
3. slang.
   an act or instance of teasing

   she just thinks it's a big wind-up

Example Sentences

I wrote about him back in June, concerned that the self-described Christian nationalist was going to wind up in an important position in a possible Trump administration.

From Salon

The trial is due to wind up next month with a verdict in the second half of December.

From BBC

Whether it winds up forbidding mandatory work for prisoners will probably be determined in the courts.

From Los Angeles Times

"If you're constantly guessing which boss will turn up -- the good cop or the bad cop -- then you wind up emotionally exhausted, demoralized, and unable to work to your full potential," Dr. Xu explains.

From Science Daily

“I thought, is this some kind of wind up?” she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• close
• complete
• conclude
• do
• end up
• finish up
• settle
• wrap up